Random thoughts on “motivational speakers”…

What is a motivational speaker?

Wikipedia defines motivation as “the activation or energization of goal-oriented behavior.”

And, while there are a myriad of theories regarding motivation, Dr. Douglas McGregor’s classic “Theory X and Theory Y” states:
• Motivated employees always look for better ways to do a job.
• Motivated employees are more quality oriented.
• Motivated workers are more productive.

Therefore, it seems obvious that “motivational speakers” –- at least in business — are those who make presentations conveying content to audiences encouraging the activation of goal-oriented behavior that stimulates productivity, quality, and improved performance.

Who could be opposed to that?

Philosophically it’s hard to oppose “motivational speakers.” So, it stands to reason that what is really driving the current controversy about them is not what motivational speakers are supposed to accomplish – it’s those individuals who aren’t able to meet this standard.

On a flight last night, the guy in the seat next to me asked, “So…what do you do?” I told him I was an author and speaker on the topic of how to distinguish yourself and your organization from the competition.

“Ah…” he said, “you’re a motivational speaker.”

Well…no. Don’t get me wrong – I hope that what I say, and how I say it, IS motivational. I hope my content is presented in a manner that moves people to take action. However, I do not define myself as a “motivational speaker.” I’m a business speaker.

One of my best friends, Mark Sanborn, calls himself “the high content speaker who motivates.” I like that a lot.

Another of my best buddies on the planet is Larry Winget, “the pitbull of personal development” – a perfect description if ever there was one.

Mark, Larry, and I all try to help individuals and organizations perform at the highest level. However, I don’t know if we would readily accept the label of “motivational speaker.”

When I think of the term, my first thought is Zig Ziglar. Through his classic use of compelling stories and powerful style, Ziglar has changed countless lives – including mine.

Jim Rohn doesn’t have Ziglar’s platform flair – yet, the simple truths that he relays in a profound manner are unbelievably impactful.

Yet, unfortunately for many, Chris Farley’s motivational speaker, Matt Foley – who lives in a van down by the river – is dead on. Some perceive a “motivational speaker” as an overly enthusiastic guy who will “pump you up” – yet has no achievements or qualifications of their own upon which to base their presentation.

The problem is – to address the “elephant in the room” – the point when we get to the self-help gurus who have lately been attracting so much attention. (Especially now that my long-time friend, James Arthur Ray, who sponsored the event in Arizona where three have died in the now-infamous sweat lodge incident is being featured in the national media.)

As an aside, I was on a program just a short time ago with one of the other self-help guys prominently featured in “The Secret.” We were backstage right before I went on to address a group of about 2000 real estate agents. He was an arrogant, pompous ass.

Maybe it’s just my convoluted thinking here – however, it seems to me that if you make your living talking about self-help and a “secret” – and ESPECIALLY if you truly believe that you attract what you are manifesting – then a degree of humility and kindness towards others is mandatory.

I think the guy is full of crap — and it has NOTHING to do with whether or not I agree with his philosophy. If you don’t (or can’t) openly and honestly display that you live what you talk about, then you have absolutely no right to pontificate on it from any platform. It’s true for ministers and rabbis…and it’s true for motivational speakers and self-help gurus.

I’m going to withhold comments on James Ray for now. We’ve known each other for over twenty years. We’ve communicated since the incident. It’s enormously tragic – however, I am infinitely more distressed over the loss of good people seeking to improve their lives, and the families who must go on without their loved ones, than I am over what the consequences will be for James.

A few bad doctors doesn’t mean all of health care is bad. One corrupt Congressman doesn’t mean every Senator and Representative is on the take. It simply means that there are appalling individuals in every worthy endeavor.

At the core, all motivation should be about helping you improve. A motivational speaker is merely a catalyst…someone who presents stories, thoughts, and ideas that assist you in “activating or energizing goal oriented behavior.”

The litmus test is simply this: Does the essence of the presentation focus upon your development…or the speaker’s ego?

There has never been a moment where I felt that Ziglar or Rohn were about aggrandizing themselves at the expense of the audience. Rohn even emphasizes in his speeches that he’s looking for “students…NOT followers. There’s no movement here. It’s all about personal development.”

If the only person the “self-help” expert is about is himself…RUN.

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